Mac Murphy, MS: Division volunteer

I responded to a call for committee members in the fall of my third year of grad school because I wanted to become more involved in the methodology community. Incoming president, Rachel Fouladi, PhD, invited me to meet her at the Pacific Northwest Conference for Research on Psychometrics and  Applied Statistics (RPAS) and, after getting to know each other, she invited me to run the email list. We even collaborated on a presentation for RPAS the following year! 

As a graduate student, I was motivated to pursue division service to broaden my understanding of academic psychology (especially quantitative methods!) and to meet passionate individuals from outside my institution. I have also learned about governance through our bi-yearly committee meetings. Overall, I feel much more prepared to support the field as an early-career leader after this experience. 

Our division encompasses much more than quantitative methods! We also have sections focused on qualitative methods and evaluation, measurement, and statistics. We welcome individuals with a range of experiences and are always excited to have students join.

My mom lives in Burgundy, France, so traveling to visit her is always special. My most memorable trip, though, was spending a month and a half in Thailand after finishing my undergraduate degree. I split my time between living at a Muay Thai gym and training twice a day, then volunteering at an elephant sanctuary. As an avid hiker, I would love to backpack the Annapurna Circuit.

I rediscovered my love of singing while in grad school by joining our local community choir. Through the Palouse Choral Society, I’ve had the chance to perform for morning mass at St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, and in the Washington Sings! recording project. 

Contact: Mac Murphy